Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.

People news: Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY hires communications director
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York announced it has hired Rachel Murphy, of Manlius, as director of communications. Murphy

SUNY ends emergency COVID-19 vaccine mandate
ALBANY, N.Y. — SUNY will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccine for students to attend its 64 campuses, effective for summer courses. The decision coincides
Existing home sales in New York fell 34 percent in February
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York realtors sold 6,147 previously owned homes in February, down 34.3 percent from the 9,351 homes they sold in the year-ago month. It marks the lowest number of closed sales in month-over-month comparisons since February 2014 when there were just 5,700 units sold in the state. That’s according to the monthly

Taste of Syracuse to again offer food, music & help charities
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — This year’s Taste of Syracuse event, the 25th anniversary edition, will again include plenty of food samples, music and concerts, and a chance to help two local charities. The 1990s alternative rock band Spin Doctors will headline the upcoming Taste of Syracuse event, held June 2-3, in and around Clinton Square. Spin

Brooklyn Pickle set for grand opening of new Utica eatery
UTICA, N.Y. — After some slight construction delays, Brooklyn Pickle is set to open its first location outside of the Syracuse area on April 17. The restaurant will mark the event with a ribbon cutting. A few lingering supply-chain issues pushed back the opening about a month, owner Craig Kowadla says, but now the eatery

HISTORY FROM OHA: Baths That Cure: Public Bath Businesses in 19th-Century Syracuse
Many of us started this year planning to be healthier whether it is dieting, exercise, or mental wellness. But knowing how to achieve our goals can be confusing amid a myriad of often conflicting health advice, results, and testimonies. In terms of competing for the best solution, the present is not far from the past.

Binghamton marketing firm earns MWBE certification
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — MediaBrush Marketing recently received certifications as both a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) (or MWBE together) from Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development. “It was something I wanted to do from the beginning,” owner Stephanie Krummenacker says, however the company needed to be

Grow-NY business contest accepting applicants through June 15
Companies and entrepreneurs interested in getting involved in the Grow-NY food and agriculture competition have until mid-June to apply. Grow-NY has started accepting applications for the fifth round of the business contest, Empire State Development (ESD) announced March 31. The application period continues through 5 p.m. on June 15. To apply and learn more about

CEO of woman-owned business to join MACNY’s Wall of Fame
About Ferrari Ferrari leads AFN, an 18-year, certified woman-owned business that seeks to “reshape global sourcing by strengthening” apparel manufacturing in the U.S. and northern triangle of Central America, per the MACNY announcement. AFN is serving American military members through the development and manufacturing of uniforms and apparel for the U.S. Department of Defense and

Visions FCU opens new, revamped branch in Tioga County
NEWARK VALLEY, N.Y. — Visions Federal Credit Union (FCU) announced the opening of its newly rebuilt branch office in Newark Valley in Tioga County. The
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.